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When a team is reeling like the Miami Dolphins were entering tonight’s game against the Bengals, there’s no question they are searching for some kind of spark to get things going.

Well, after defeating Cincinnati on a walk-off safety by Cameron Wake in overtime, it’s quite possible the Dolphins may have found that spark to get things back on track.

The Dolphins defense showed up in a huge way in tonight’s win, forcing three turnovers and ultimately scoring the deciding points in the ballgame.

Here are my three takeaways from tonight’s 22-20 win over the Bengals:

1) Big Plays By Big-Time Players: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton came into tonight’s game as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league, but the Dolphins’ defense was able to cool down the red-haired quarterback and bring him back to reality. Timely interceptions by Dimitri Patterson, Dannell Ellerbe and the 94-yard pick-six by Brent Grimes really gave momentum to the Miami Dolphins’ defense and the relentless pressure by Cam Wake & Co. was enough to lead Miami to victory.

2) Tannehill’s Efficiency: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s numbers weren’t extraordinary, but it was just what the Dolphins have been looking for out of their second year quarterback. Tannehill completed a high percentage of throws while protecting the football both in the pocket and down the field. He also came up with some big time plays himself, finding Mike Wallace over the middle for 40 yards and a key connection to Brian Hartline in overtime when he had to make a throw on third down. He was able to put enough touch to get it over the corner and in front of the safety. Tannehill was helped again by a running game led by Lamar Miller and it was nice to see the Miami offense didn’t stray from the ground game throughout the entire contest.

3) Comeback Kid: It’s not easy for a rookie place kicker to comeback and make a crucial kick with under 10 seconds remaining in the game after missing a chip shot early, but Caleb Sturgis rose to the occasion. He shook off missing the 34-yard field goal in the first quarter and responded when the Miami Dolphins needed him most. Sturgis responded with a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter and came through in the clutch with the 44-yarder with little time left on the clock to get the Dolphins into overtime. This is an example of the type of games the Dolphins are going to be in for the second half of the season, so Sturgis is probably going to be asked to make a kick or two to either tie or win football games as the Dolphins get back to .500.